Porcine circovirus replication origin stem-loop sequence (PCV ori)

The Porcine circovirus (PCV) replication origin stem-loop sequence is a critical cis-acting element located within the viral genome's origin of replication (ori). It features a conserved nonanucleotide motif (TAGTATTAC) that is recognized and nicked by the viral replication-associated protein (Rep) to initiate rolling-circle replication (Mankertz et al., 1997, Journal of General Virology). In the field of genome engineering, this sequence is strategically engineered into donor single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) templates to significantly boost the efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene knock-in (He et al., 2017, Scientific Reports). By co-expressing the PCV Rep protein, the donor DNA is effectively recruited or processed, which facilitates its integration into the host genome via homology-directed repair (HDR). This technology aims to overcome the typically low rates of precise gene insertion in mammalian cells, making it a valuable tool for developing gene therapies for monogenic disorders. While the sequence itself is derived from a porcine pathogen, its application is focused on enhancing the precision of human therapeutic interventions rather than serving as a target for traditional drug discovery.

Other names

PCV2 origin of replicationPCV stem-loopPorcine circovirus type 2 oriPCV2 ori

The sequence serves as a recognition and binding site for the PCV Rep protein; when engineered into a donor DNA template, it facilitates the recruitment and processing of the template to enhance homology-directed repair (HDR) efficiency during genome editing.